Increased demands and workload prompt the government’s proposal to expand its Cabinet from six to eight members, says the Prime Minister. Rashneel Kumar reports.

Prime Minister Mark Brown defended his government’s decision to seek an increase in the number of Cabinet Ministers through a proposed amendment to the Constitution.

Brown will table the Constitution Amendment (No. 30) Bill, which proposes increasing the number of Cabinet Ministers from six to eight and removing the ability to appoint a Minister who is not a member of Parliament, today.

Opposition parties, the Democratic Party and the Cook Islands United Party, have criticised the move, expressing concerns about the lack of justification for the increase and the associated costs.

In a statement to Cook Islands News, Brown explained that with the significant growth in the economy and in the provision of public services, they see the need to increase the Cabinet size to manage the increased demands.

Also read: Government seeks more Ministers  

“The workload for government and for Cabinet in particular has increased significantly since Cabinet was reduced in size back in 1996. The recovery of our economy in the post Covid world, our increasing international engagements, our focus on establishing partnerships to grow our opportunities for our people and our country means that we do a lot more now than we have ever done as a country,” Brown said.

“Our country’s profile has increased immensely in recent years, and with that has come an increase in the number of countries and organisations wanting to engage with us on areas where we have mutual interests such as climate change.

“Essentially Ministers will need to carry a heavier workload and also will need to devote more time and effort to specific portfolios without diluting their efforts across a range of portfolios.”

Opposition Democratic Party Leader Tina Browne had earlier expressed reservations about the proposed increase but acknowledged that removing the ability to appoint non-MP ministers is a step toward greater accountability.

“However, our concern lies in the lack of justification for the expanded ministerial positions and the associated increase in spending. It is imperative that we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current Ministers and their portfolios to ensure efficiency and optimal resource utilisation,” Browne told the newspaper on Friday.

In addition to the Constitution Amendment (No. 30) Bill, the Prime Minister will also present the Constitution Amendment (No. 31) Bill and the Constitution Amendment (No. 32) Bill.

Brown explained that the Amendment (No. 31) Bill will allow a new Parliament to commence its work after a general election without waiting for the outcome of any election petitions.

“We all noted in the last elections Parliament did not sit for nearly seven months after the elections due to pending election petition outcomes. This is unacceptable. This amendment will repeal the Article 29(2) and will allow Parliament sitting to take place without having to wait for petitions to take place.”

The Constitution Amendment (No. 32) Bill provides for the ability for MPs to hold a proxy vote for a fellow MP.

Brown said this Bill is to enable Parliament to be able to sit more often.

“With a small Parliament and a large proportion also being part of the Executive government, it has always been a challenge to meet both Parliamentary and Executive needs at the same time. Proxy votes are common in other Parliaments including the NZ Parliament.

“This amendment will allow for Parliament to continue its work, even in the absence of some members.

“I believe these proposed amendments if passed will pave the way for better, more efficient governance, and as such I hope to get the support required.”

Clerk of the Parliament Tangata Vainerere confirmed that the three Constitution Amendment Bills will be referred to a Special Select Committee for review and consideration after their second reading.

Vainerere added that the other two bills, the Legislative Service Amendment Bill 2023 and the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2023, will be taken through their various stages to be passed at the end of the debates.

Parliament is scheduled to begin at 1pm.